Remove Edge application selection associations
- Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
- Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
- Impact: High
System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High
This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.
- Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
- Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
- Fully reversible
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.
The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.
Overview
This script prevents Microsoft Edge from being listed as a default program for various file types and web links in Windows, giving you control over which programs open your files and enhancing your privacy.
It improves privacy by preventing Edge from appearing as an option when selecting programs to open certain files or web links. This increases user control and reduces data collection and tracking via Microsoft Edge.
If you've uninstalled Edge, this script stabilizes your system by removing leftover associations 1. It may also boost performance by removing unnecessary Edge-related file and protocol handlers.
After running this script, Edge will no longer appear as a default program for associated file types and URLs. Remember to set up an alternative browser.
Technical Details
The script removes all Edge associations for web-related file types (e.g., .htm, .html, .pdf, .svg) and protocols (e.g., http, https, mailto) from the Windows registry.
Tests confirm that these associations vary across Windows versions:
Association | ProgID | Win 10 1903 | Win 10 1909 | Win 10 20H2 | Win 10 21H2 | Win 10 22H2 | Win 11 21H2 | Win 11 22H2 | Win 11 23H2 | Registry Path |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.webp | MSEdgeHTM | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts |
.xml | MSEdgeHTM | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts |
http | MSEdgeHTM | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts |
https | MSEdgeHTM | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts |
.htm | MSEdgeHTM | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts |
.html | MSEdgeHTM | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ApplicationAssociationToasts |
MSEdgePDF |